Update (long) - Meeting with a Store Owner

First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early and
he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm really
glad I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught a
class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her, at
least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this is
pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to home;
says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take some
stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out for
me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff
after his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices (he
had picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm
happy to negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And he
*did*! Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's got
tons of necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are the
same necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My
pieces are each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh,
sold the most expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually
my very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a few
craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to believe
I wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He
says, "The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be
giving you the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants in
particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung on
leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the
next couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice g),
graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a big ol'
hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I
was channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing
behind me going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some
much-needed sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 06:02:14 GMT, Carla
wrote:

First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down
*snip*

Bravo! I'm thrilled that it went so well! The first time is (usually)
the hardest, and you did smashingly!

Tink
Check here for available work:
http://blackswampglassworks.com/latest.htm

Well done Carla, think of us when you become famous
Shirley



In message et, Carla
writes
First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early
and he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm
really glad I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught
a class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her,
at least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this
is pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to
home; says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take
some stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out
for me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff
after his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices
(he had picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm
happy to negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And
he *did*! Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's
got tons of necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are
the same necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My
pieces are each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh,
sold the most expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually
my very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a
few craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to
believe I wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He
says, "The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be
giving you the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants
in particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung
on leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the
next couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice
g), graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a
big ol' hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I
was channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing
behind me going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some
much-needed sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla




--
Shirley Shone

HOORAY for you that is GREAT!!! It sounds like talking to the clerk before
the owner showed up really helped you not feel nervous about trying to sell
your pieces to the store owner. Good for you for taking this big step into
selling in stores. I am sure it wasn't easy. I have a guy here in our area
who runs a florist/gift shop (used to be right in town, but the town is so
dead he moved it about 15 mins away to a much busier town), who wants to see
what I do, but I don't have any finished stuff to take for him to see. I
have 4 pieces atm waiting to be finished, but I need to get a few more
things before I can finish them.

I hope this store works out for you.

Marissa


"Carla" wrote in message
nk.net...
First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early and
he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm really
glad I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught a
class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her, at
least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this is
pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to home;
says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take some
stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out for
me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff
after his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices (he
had picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm
happy to negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And he
*did*! Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's got
tons of necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are the
same necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My
pieces are each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh,
sold the most expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually
my very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a few
craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to believe
I wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He
says, "The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be
giving you the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants in
particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung on
leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the
next couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice g),
graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a big ol'
hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I
was channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing
behind me going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some
much-needed sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla

She swings, and it's outta the park! Way to go!

Val

My face just split, I was smiling and cheering you on as I read every word,
Carla! Hot Damn woman! How does it feel to have your talent and hard work
pay off! I am so excited for you--I have to go pee now..I've lost control
of myself, lol!

--
~Candace~

Orphan Beads ~low cost and bartering for the financially challenged beader~
http://snipurl.com/6s4t

Princess Auctions ~please see for most current updates and auction
information~
http://snipurl.com/8s8o

"Carla" wrote in message
nk.net...
First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early and
he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm really glad
I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught a
class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her, at
least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this is
pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to home;
says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take some
stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out for
me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff after
his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices (he had
picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm happy to
negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And he *did*!
Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's got tons of
necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are the same
necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My pieces are
each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh, sold the most
expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually my
very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a few
craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to believe I
wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He says,
"The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be giving you
the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants in
particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung on
leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the next
couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice g),
graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a big ol'
hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I was
channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing behind me
going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some much-needed
sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla

Carla, I am so thrilled to hear that it went so well for you! We were all
rooting for ya!

Annie

Heh, I made Candace pee. It truly is a night to remember!

Cheers,
Carla (barely functional 'cause I'm so sleepy...and can't sleep yet)

~Candace~ wrote:

My face just split, I was smiling and cheering you on as I read every word,
Carla! Hot Damn woman! How does it feel to have your talent and hard work
pay off! I am so excited for you--I have to go pee now..I've lost control
of myself, lol!

That is great, Carla!! Congrats and good luck!


"Carla" wrote in message
nk.net...
First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early and
he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm really glad
I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught a
class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her, at
least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this is
pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to home;
says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take some
stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out for
me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff after
his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices (he had
picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm happy to
negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And he *did*!
Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's got tons of
necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are the same
necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My pieces are
each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh, sold the most
expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually my
very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a few
craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to believe I
wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He says,
"The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be giving you
the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants in
particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung on
leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the next
couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice g),
graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a big ol'
hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I was
channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing behind me
going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some much-needed
sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla

Way to go, Carla!!!!!
Diana

--
Weird people need beads, too
"Carla" wrote in message
nk.net...
First, many thanks again for all the good wishes.
Second, it went well!! Yeah, it did. It's taken me this long to wind
down

So, I got the time wrong, but that was okay 'cause I showed up early and
he wasn't there yet. I *hate* being late for anything, so I'm really
glad I erred in the other direction.

The same clerk was there and wanted to see what I brought, so I got to
spend some time talking my stuff up, describing methods and materials,
etc. She was really excited about some of the earrings and a necklace,
and wants me to do some stuff for her; also wanted to know if I taught a
class anywhere on jewelry-making, or if I'd be willing to teach her, at
least. (Self-esteem is waking, looking around, and going "Hey, this is
pretty cool!") The clerk also gives me the manager/owner's name of
another store that carries beaded jewelry, this one even closer to home;
says "I bet she'd love your stuff. You should call her and take some
stuff over there, too!"

By the time the owner walks in, I'm relaxed, outgoing, professional
without being stiff (I think, "Who *is* this woman and why doesn't she
come out more often?") Firm handshake, case out on the counter, folder
with pics out; I didn't drop anything or knock anything over; I didn't
even *stutter*. (And kudos to whatever Gyno-Goddess was looking out for
me...I didn't have one hot flash the entire time I was there g.)

Now, one thing I hadn't even thought about was wholesale vs. retail
pricing, and the owner said he didn't think he could sell the stuff
after his mark-up, and would I be willing to come down on the prices (he
had picked out four pairs of polyclay earrings). I said "sure, I'm
happy to negotiate the price...if you want to take more pieces." And he
*did*! Yay me! He really wasn't interested in necklaces; he's got
tons of necklaces, says he. And I responded, "Yes, but those are the
same necklaces carried in all the gift shops in all the malls. My
pieces are each one of a kind, and made with better materials." Heh,
sold the most expensive necklace I had taken with me!

Near the end, he asked me how did I generally figure out my wholesale
cost; what did I work out with other stores? I said "This is actually
my very first time doing this. I've sold to individuals, and done a few
craft fairs." And he started laughing, said he found it hard to believe
I wasn't an old hand at this.

It also turns out he's a friend of the owner of my favorite LBS. He
says, "The next time you're in there, tell him I said he should be
giving you the better pricing on findings and materials." Okay, I will!

I told him I'm currently concentrating more on polymer clay, pendants in
particular. Might he be interested in seeing those, simply strung on
leather cords? Why, yes, he would be; could I bring some in, in the
next couple of weeks for him to have a look? Yes, I can do that.
What if a customer asks about a particular piece but wants a different
color? Yes, I can do that, too.

He asked about my online sales, and I told him I didn't have a website,
yet. He told me to get one up, that I'd probably do very well online,
too. (Hubby, waiting downstairs, is going to have to help me carry my
head home.) Owner tells me I've got an "great eye for design". (Stop!
Stop! I'm gonna have an ego-gasm!)

So I give him my card (he thinks the "carliecraft designs" is nice g),
graciously thank him for his time, and walk out with (for me) a big ol'
hunk o' money g.

Right now, I'm feeling like it doesn't ever have to work out this well
again, and I'll be okay 'cause my very first time was a hit

Now it's time to catch up on the wit and wisdom of rcb (I felt like I
was channelling everyone here; or at least, you were all standing
behind me going "Yeah, you can do it!" Then I'm going to get some
much-needed sleep.

Thanks and hugs all around,
Carla